Stripers even in the rain

The stripers have arrived in the St George river not in big numbers yet but steady fishing. I fished this morning even though it was raining, cold (45 degrees) and blowing a gale out of the east. I fished in the river above Thomaston Harbor so the wind only served to make the morning uncomfortable and not rough or dangerous. The water temperature is playing a big role in striper fishing success right now you could see the fish gradually stop feeding on the incoming tide. The incoming tide driven by the easterly wind brought a dose of temperature reality with it.
 
I think that he freshwater bass fishing will be shut off by the cold rain for a few days as well. At least until the sun has a chance to get the water temperatures headed in the right direction. I moved further and further upriver as the tide allowed until finally stopping just outside of Warren Village.
 
The biggest fish of the morning was 24 inches with the average just under 20 inches. So far this season I have not seen the tiny stripers of the last few early seasons. I assume that they are coming but have just not arrived as of this morning. Today marks a long stretch of fishing trips with clients that will last almost two weeks. I am very pleased to be back on the water again but would like some slightly warmer weather to work in. I’m sure it will be here soon enough.